Etymed
cholangiocarcinoma
Definition
a malignant tumor arising from the epithelial cells lining the bile ducts
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man presents with progressive jaundice, pruritus, and weight loss over 6 weeks. Physical examination reveals icterus and a palpable gallbladder. Imaging shows a stricture of the bile duct with upstream dilation. Laboratory studies show elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. Cholangiocarcinoma is suspected due to the classic presentation of obstructive jaundice in elderly patients with bile duct strictures.
Mnemonic
CHOLANGIO = CHOLE (bile) + ANGIO (blood vessel) = cancer of bile ducts
These morphemes also unlock…
- cholangi/o — bile duct
- carcin/o — cancer
- -oma — tumor; mass